Mobile blower assembly for use with a multi-functional cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a spray gun generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, a dispensing device, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. The dispensing blower assembly device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a blower motor and a nozzle for directing pressurized air to a predetermined location.

This application is a divisional of U.S. Utility patent application Ser.No. 10/438,485, filed May 14, 2003, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Cleaning machines are used extensively for cleaning the surfaces ofsinks, urinals, toilets, windows, shower stalls, tiles, stone, brick,locker rooms, swimming pool areas, carpets, vents and other surfaces.Maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces, especially in high volumeareas in commercial, industrial, institutional and public buildings isan ongoing and time consuming process. The present inventions relategenerally to this field and are directed to a multi-functional cleaningmachine which is useful in cleaning such surfaces, components andfeatures thereof, and methods for efficiently and productively usingsuch cleaning machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Building maintenance staff and others often clean dirty surfaces, suchas restroom floors, using traditional mop and bucket assemblies. Thebucket may include a detachable mop ringer and may be positioned oncaster wheels to facilitate easy movement. Depending on the cleanlinessof the equipment, a worker may be able to make a good start in cleaninga floor using the mop and bucket approach. However, soon the mop andfluid in the bucket becomes soiled or otherwise contaminated by such asgerms and bacteria. From that point on, each time the worker plunges themop into the bucket and rings the mop, both the mop and cleaning fluidbecome more and more dirty/contaminated. In the end, a dirty surfacegets “cleaned” by pushing dirty and potentially disease or germcontaminated water over the surface to be cleaned with a dirty and/orcontaminated mop. In short, the surface remains wet with contaminatedsolution.

These basic cleaning problems have generally been addressed by provisionof a multi-functional cleaning machine, such as the machine disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,206,980 to Robinson, entitled “Multi-functional CleaningMachine,” which is fully incorporated herein by reference. This type ofcleaning machine generally includes a wheeled body with two tanks, oneconcentrated chemical receptacle, a vacuum and blower motor, and a fluidpumping system. Typically, such equipment includes only a single motorused for both vacuuming and blowing. Such a motor may include an airintake and an air outlet. The cleaning equipment also generally includesa tube connectable to either the air outlet or air inlet of that motor.When connected to the air outlet, air is forced down the tube for use inblow drying surfaces. When connected to the air inlet, a vacuum iscreated inside the tube, facilitating suctioning of fluid, which isgenerally dirty/contaminated, from the surface. In either case, however,the blower motor is always fixedly secured to and/or incorporated intothe cleaning machine.

One of the tanks of these prior art machines is used to hold a basecleaning fluid, such as water, into which concentrated cleaningchemicals may be injected to create a cleaning solution. Thereafter, thecleaning solution may be pumped, via an appropriate hose or tubing, toany number of cleaning implements for supply to the surface to becleaned, such as a pressure spray gun, a cleaning wand, etc. The pumpingoperation can be performed at either a relatively high or low pressure,depending upon the cleaning application and the fluid pump employed inthe machine. The cleaning solution may be worked into the surface to becleaned to release and then entrain dirt and debris deposited on thesurface being cleaned. Next, dirty cleaning solution can be vacuumed,again via an appropriate vacuum hose, into the second tank, generallyreferred to as a recovery tank. Finally, a blower motor can supplypressurized air, typically through the vacuum hose, to dry the nowcleaned surface.

Obviously, the use of one vacuumlblower motor and related tube creates acleanliness problem similar to the problems created by use of a mop andbucket. Contaminants that are vacuumed through the hose and motor maybecome stuck to the motor and hose inner walls, etc. When that sameequipment is used to blow dry a surface, the contaminants may becomedislodged from the hose and motor and be deposited back onto the cleanedsurface. For this reason, known prior art systems often facilitatespreading of germs and other contaminants. These problems were somewhataddressed by providing a surface cleaning machine having separate blowermotor and vacuum motor assemblies. Such a cleaning machine is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,958 to Giddings et al., which is fullyincorporated herein by reference. While these later surface cleaningmachines have advanced beyond the single blower and vacuum motorcleaning approach, they still have significant shortcomings.

One shortcoming is the manner in which a cleaning solution is created.The prior art devices do not provide for one of multiple concentratedcleaning chemicals to be easily added to a base fluid (e.g., water) orto properly provide precise amounts of desired chemicals to the basefluid to create a desired cleaning solution. Further, these prior artdevices add concentrated cleaning chemicals to a base fluid through aprocess of injection, which can create unwanted pressures in the overallsystem, potentially causing not only system failure, but hazards tosystem users. Use of injectors also adds componentry to the equipment,thereby increasing both cost and weight of the equipment.

A second shortcoming of the known devices is the manner in whichconcentrated cleaning chemicals are stored upon those machines. Knowncleaning machines allow receptacles of concentrated cleaning chemicalsto be placed upon the cleaning machine in a completely unsecured andunprotected fashion. The cleaning chemicals can thus be stolen ortampered with, or the cleaning chemical receptacle may easily be damagedor spilled. Obviously, any of these situations is not desired and ispotentially very dangerous not only to the public at large, but also tothe user of the equipment.

A third shortcoming of known cleaning machinery relates to the blowerused to dry and/or clean, etc., a surface. Prior art blowers are fixedlysecured or otherwise incorporated into cleaning machinery. Accordingly,use of these blowers is limited to the general location of thatmachinery and generally may not be used if other componentry is in use,such as the vacuum assembly. Obviously, hoses can be used to extendblower reach, but such hoses are expensive, utilize limited storagespace, add weight to the overall machine and generally decrease theeffectiveness of the blower.

A further shortcoming of known prior art devices is that they do notprovide a ergonomically efficient or easily regulatable system forapplying a pressurized cleaning solution to a surface. It is oftendesirable or necessary when cleaning a surface to apply a cleaningsolution to the surface with force. Such is accomplished by knownmachines through use of a spray gun which uses pressurized cleaning orother solution. However, in these prior art devices, the pressure atwhich the cleaning solution is supplied to the gun is not easilyregulatable throughout a range of pressures and certainly notregulatable at the gun itself. Moreover, prior art spray guns do notinclude attachments, such as a lance wand adapted to provide comfortableuse of the gun in at least several typical surface cleaningapplications. Instead, ergonomically unsound lance wands are used, whichtend to fatigue the equipment user more readily than is necessary ordesired.

Another drawback of known prior art cleaning machines is the use ofvacuum hoses that need to be wound and stored within the machine. Use ofsuch hoses not only monopolizes space, which is in short supply on acompact cleaning machine, but also wastes operator time. Accordingly,there is a need to develop and incorporate into compact cleaningmachines a vacuum hose which need not be wound, i.e., self-retracting,for purposes of storage.

Another drawback of known cleaning machines relates to the vacuum andsolution extension wand, which may be used with the machinery and intowhich various cleaning tools may be attached. Such tools include: asqueegee for recovering spent cleaning solution from a hard floor; a drypickup for recovering dirt and debris (i.e., traditional vacuumingapplication) from both hard and soft floors; a carpet sprayer andextractor tool for applying and recovering cleaning solution; and agrout tool for providing cleaning solution to a grouted hard floor orsimilar surface via specialized pressure jets and a brush and vacuumassembly to complete the cleaning process, etc. Unfortunately, theseprior art wands do not facilitate quick and easy removal and replacementof all available tools which is obviously problematic for the user ofsuch equipment.

There is also a need for an improved grout tool for use with prior artcleaning machines. Known grout tools do not provide adequateadjustability or positioning of a cleaning solution spray jet. Also,reliance on a single jet, as opposed to multiple jets, minimizes theproductivity and effectiveness of the tool. Due to these shortcomings,known tools do not adequately clean soiled grouted surfaces.

Another problem with known cleaning machines is the failure to provide awork station environment, including poor placement of machine controls,tools and hoses. In such machines, the controls for activating oradjusting pumps, motors, valves, injectors, etc., are located in aposition that is inconvenient for a user. In these machines, tools arealso scattered around the machine, i.e., they are not concentrated inany particular area of the machine. Moreover, tools which come intocontact with fluid are often stored on prior art machines in such a wayas to facilitate dripping of fluids back onto a clean surface.Obviously, this is not advantageous. Thus, there is a need to provide acleaning machine that provides a work station environment, includingplacing the tools and controls in a position on the device that isconvenient for use by the operator when the machine is in use. Suchergonomically friendly placement of controls, tools and hoses will notonly facilitate usability of the machine, but will also increaseproductivity of the user of that machine.

Finally, known cleaning machines do not provide adequate onboard storagefor carrying needed cleaning supplies, tools, etc. Likewise, knownmachines do not provide a flexible approach to adding storage facilitiesfor trash and the like when the need for such arises. Machinery thataddresses these issues is therefore needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions relate to methods of cleaning surfaces anddevices used therein. The inventive cleaning equipment includes a fluidhousing and a base. Within the base is a fluid pump assembly and avacuum assembly. The device further includes two tanks, one forretaining a base cleaning fluid, such as water, and a second forretaining spent cleaning solution, both of which are housed in the fluidhousing. The inventive machine also includes one or more concentratedcleaning chemical receptacles designed to hold concentrated cleaningchemicals. The receptacles are stored on the machine within a lockablestructure, adding safety to the overall machine.

In operation, fluid from the chemical receptacles flow through a tube toa chemical selector, which can include a metering valve. The selectorhas a positive shut-off position. When in that position, fluid is notallowed to flow through the selector regardless of the fluid pressure ina fluid line. That selector is responsive to input from the operator toselect one of the several cleaning chemicals. Once a chemical isselected, it is free to flow through the chemical selector andappropriate amounts thereof may be provided to one of any number ofinlets to a mixing tee. The amount of chemical allowed to flow can beadjusted by a metering valve built into the selector or separate fromthe selector, in a known fashion. A base cleaning fluid, such as water,may flow from the fluid tank and through a separate tube to a second legof the mixing tee. The cleaning fluid and concentrated cleaning chemicalthen mix within the mixing tee to create a cleaning solution. Thatsolution may then be passed through the selector outlet to a pressurepump, when the cleaning solution may be pressurized and communicated viaappropriate tubing to a spray gun. The pump, which draws fluid to andthrough the selector, also preferably may include a bypass system tofacilitate regulation of pump pressure. Use of the pump to draw fluid ispreferred as it does not create unwanted pressures in the fluid lines.

A solution can be applied to a surface to be cleaned using the spraygun. It is well known in the art that such surfaces readily include hardsurfaces such as tile and toilets. However, the preferred machine alsohas great utility in cleaning carpeted surfaces. In a preferredembodiment, the spray gun or associated solution lines or tubes includean adjustable valve, which may be used to adjust the pressure and flowof solution allowed to exit the spray gun. Because of the adjustability,the machine can be utilized as a pre-sprayer for various carpettreatments, including spotting or other treatments. As the preferredmachine can provide clean water, multiple chemicals or combinationsthereof, it can also be used as an application device of extractionchemicals or rinse fluids to a carpeted surface.

By use of the chemical selector, two or more receptacles of cleaningchemicals can easily be fluidly connected to a mixing tee. By thisarrangement, a user of the machine can create any number of cleaningsolutions without the need for adding receptacles or switching chemicalfeed lines from one receptacle to another or without changing meteringtips that can easily become lost or confused. Instead, all that needs tobe done is the selection of a desired chemical through use of theselector. The less cleaning chemicals are handled, the safer thecleaning process. Similarly, use of a metering valve will allow a userto create a very precise cleaning solution.

It is preferred that one-way check valves be used throughout the system.For instance, check valves can be included in: delivery lines thatsupply cleaning chemicals to the mixing tee; lines that supply water tothe mixing tee; lines that supply cleaning solution to the pump; linesthat supply cleaning solution to the spray gun; or in the mixing tee,itself. The check valves prevent reversal of fluid and preventcontamination of one fluid with another.

The inventive cleaning machine also includes a modular blower assembly.The blower assembly may be hand-held and operate completely apart fromthe overall cleaning machine. The blower assembly can be used to dryareas physically separate from where the machine may be stored. Becausethe blower assembly is separate from the machine, it may also be usedfor other blowing functions, such as blowing leaves, grass, dirt orother debris. The blower assembly can be used with a detachable handnozzle, a flexible nozzle, an extension wand, etc., thereby increasingthe overall flexibility of the blower assembly. As the blower assemblyis modular, it may be utilized separately from the machine or with themachine, as desired. The blower assembly may utilize an integratedon/off switch and be powered by electricity supplied by any typicalextension cord, including a cord that supplies current to the cleaningmachine. It may also be that if the cleaning machine is battery powered,that a cord attached at one end to the battery power may be supplied tothe blower assembly. The blower may be configured to be stored on thecleaning machine in one of any number of convenient ways. It should beappreciated that having a modular blower assembly of this type is verybeneficial to the overall functionality of a multifunctional cleaningmachine and related process.

Another aspect of the inventive cleaning machine relates to anergonomically enhanced spray gun, having the capability of infiniteadjustability of the pressure of fluid to be dispensed through the spraygun nozzle. Such a gun allows a user to vary the pressure of cleaningsolution or other fluid exiting the gun by adjusting a variable pressurereduction valve mounted on or near the gun itself. Provision of variouspressure and flow at the gun also saves cleaning solution and can act asa safety feature as the machine operator can efficiently manipulatecleaning fluid pressures while he or she is actually working with thedevice. A variable spray gun is also useful in carpet cleaningoperations as it can be used as a carpet extractor pre-cleaning device.The gun may also include a lance wand which has a curvature at its end.Such curvature provides an ergonomically superior wand to clean floors,toilets, etc., as it allows the operator to clean hard to reachsurfaces.

A further inventive aspect of the cleaning machine is the use of aself-retracting vacuum hose. The inventive hose compresses when not inuse, making it unnecessary to wind the hose around a retaining structureformed on, in, or near the cleaning machine for storage. When in use,the hose expands to many times its compressed length, providing anoperator with substantial operating mobility. Not only does use of sucha retractable vacuum hose save an operator time (i.e., no need to wind ahose), it also saves space on the cleaning machine and reduces triphazards, as it only expands to a length necessary for a given job—excesshose is, thus, not left on the floor creating hazardous situations.

A further inventive aspect of the present cleaning machine is a modularvacuum extension wand. The modular wand is similar to known wands,except that it utilizes a cleaning solution transport tube and valvewhich terminates in a coupling device located just above a terminal endof the wand. Tools which utilize cleaning solution, such as carpet sprayand extraction and grout tools, can include an onboard cleaning solutiontubing terminating in a device capable of quickly attaching to thecoupling device located on the wand itself. Attaching spray jets to thetool, instead of the wand, means that the correct pressure and spraypatterns may always be used and a wide variety of various cleaning toolscan thus quickly and easily be attached to the inventive modularextension wand, facilitating cleaning operations and saving operatortime.

Another inventive aspect of the present invention is an improved grouttool. The tool provides for spray jets to be attached to the tool body,in an adjustable fashion via brackets, and fluid to be applied to thecleaning surface at an angle. More specifically, the spray of cleaningsolution from the grout tool jets hits the surface to be cleaned at anangle, forcing the cleaning solution into a cleaning brush, also carriedon the tool body. The brush, in combination with the jet spray ofcleaning solution, works dirt and debris loose from the surface beingcleaned. Once loose, the debris is vacuumed into the recovery tankthrough a vacuum chamber formed in the grout tool body and hose.

A further inventive aspect of the present machine is that it utilizes awork station environment. The machine naturally has a front and back. Anoperator may properly push the machine, which utilizes large wheels inboth the front and the back, by applying pressure to a handle found atthe back of the machine. Once at an area to be cleaned, the operatortypically moves to the machine front. Once in the front, the operatormay lock caster wheels to keep the machine from moving while theoperator is working and may select appropriate cleaning tools andsupplies for the cleaning job at hand. Controls necessary for operatingthe machine are conveniently located on a panel secured to the front ofthe machine and thus easily accessible to the operator (i.e., cleaningprofessional). In this way, the cleaning professional can set themachine controls at about the same time he or she is collecting thenecessary cleaning supplies and tools, saving time and making thecleaning process more efficient. Moreover, the inventive machineutilizes a drip pan, which is incorporated into the base. The drip panis configured to catch any fluids that might be expelled from anycleaning tool used by the machine operator which comes in contact withfluid.

Another aspect of the inventive cleaning machine is the inclusion ofbins, trays, bays and other storage devices at the machine front, againwithin easy reach of the cleaning professional. These bins provide thecleaning professional with substantial flexibility when cleaning a largebuilding or area that has many types of surfaces that may need cleaning.Also, the present cleaning machine provides for modular trash/supplybins which can be added to or removed from the machine quickly andeasily so that the machine can be configured for one of any number ofcleaning activities.

Various aspects of the inventions discussed briefly above combine toprovide an effective and efficient cleaning tool, useful in cleaningnumerous areas in and around commercial, industrial, institutional andpublic buildings. Moreover, due to the various aspects of the presentinvention, a sanitation maintenance worker may clean a particular roomor facility more efficiently than previously possible.

These and other benefits and advantages of the invention will be madeapparent from the accompanying drawings and description of the drawings,as well as a detailed description of those drawings and the inventionsdisclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 a is a front view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 1 b is a side view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a preferred multi-functionalcleaning machine with a cut-away of the machine along line B-B, as shownin FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a preferred multi-functionalcleaning machine with a cut-away of the machine along line A-A as shownin FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 4 a is a side view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing the blower assembly stored ina preferred position;

FIG. 4 b is a side view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing the blower assembly stored ina preferred position;

FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing the blower assembly stored ina preferred position;

FIG. 4 d is a perspective view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing the blower assembly stored ina preferred position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 6 diagrams one embodiment of a cleaning solution creation anddelivery system of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 7 a is an exploded view of one embodiment of the selector andmetering valve of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 7 b is a side view of one embodiment of the selector and meteringvalve of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 7 c is a rear view of one embodiment of the selector and meteringvalve of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 7 d is a perspective view of one embodiment of the valve of theselector and metering valve;

FIG. 8 a is a front view of one embodiment of the modular blowerassembly of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular blowerassembly utilizing a flexible nozzle extension;

FIG. 8 c is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular blowerassembly utilizing an extension wand between the blower body and nozzle;

FIG. 8 d depicts use of one embodiment of the modular blower assembly ofa preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 9 a is a front view of one embodiment of the spray gun and highpressure hose of a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 9 b depicts use of one embodiment of a spray gun in cleaning of atypical toilet;

FIG. 9 c depicts use of one embodiment of a spray gun in cleaning atypical horizontal surface, such as a floor;

FIG. 10 a is a side view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine with a self-retracting vacuum hoseconnected to a modular wand, at one end, and a control panel at theother end, with a tool attached to the wand and stored in a drip pan;

FIG. 10 b is a side view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine with a self-retracting vacuum hoseextended for use and connected to a modular wand and tool;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular wand of apreferred multi-functional cleaning machine;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a squeegee for usewith a modular wand;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dry pick-up toolfor use with a modular wand;

FIG. 14 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a grout tool foruse with a modular extension wand;

FIG. 14 b is a second perspective view of one embodiment of a grout toolfor use with a modular extension wand;

FIG. 14 c is a side view of one embodiment of a grout tool for use witha modular extension wand;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carpet spray andextractor for use with a modular extension wand;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing preferred placement of avacuum hose and cleaning solution pressure hose;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a control panel andstorage bins for a preferred multi-functional cleaning machine; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a preferredmulti-functional cleaning machine showing attachment and placement of apreferred utility bag and trash/supply bin.

The following components and numbers associated thereto are shown in thedrawings and provided here for ease of reference:

# COMPONENT

-   10 multi-functional cleaning machine-   12 fluid housing-   14 base-   16 machine front-   18 machine back-   20 machine top-   22 machine bottom-   24 rear wheels-   26 front wheels-   28 pushing handle-   30 vacuum motor-   32 fluid pump-   34 drip pan-   36 mounting plate-   38 base fluid tank-   40 recovery tank-   42 lockable enclosure-   44 control panel-   46 storage bin-   48 pressure hose retainer-   50 base fluid tank outlet-   52 fluid level indicator-   54 dirty fluid dump tube-   56 retaining plate-   58 cover plate-   60 retaining plate hook-   62 retaining plate slot-   64 cover plate projection-   66 projection tab-   68 cover plate apertures-   70 chemical storage receptacles-   72 selector and metering valve-   74 receptacle to selector tubing-   76 selector fluid inlets coupling device-   78 selector fluid outlet-   80 rotary valve-   82 knob-   84 screw and washer-   86 cap device-   88 retaining nut-   90 tubing-   91 check valve-   92 mixing tee-   94 mixing tee inlets-   96 mixing tee outlet-   98 base fluid tube-   100 solution check valve-   102 filter-   104 tube-   106 pump inlet-   108 pump outlet-   110 bypass line-   112 bypass valve-   114 high pressure hose-   116 high pressure hose quick connect-   118 second high pressure hose-   120 spray gun-   121 spray gun trigger-   122 female quick connect coupling-   124 male quick connect coupling device-   126 lance wand-   128 spray jet-   130 variable pressure reduction valve-   132 wand curvature location-   134 vacuum motor inlet-   136 vacuum tube-   138 vacuum tube connection-   140 vacuum hose-   141 terminal end of vacuum hose-   142 vacuum wand-   143 eye bolts-   144 cleaning tools-   145 bungee cord-   146 tool connection end-   148 third high pressure hose-   150 first quick connect coupling device-   152 second quick connect coupling device-   154 valve and trigger assembly-   156 grout tool-   158 carpet spray and extractor-   160 grout tool vacuum body-   162 squeegee-   164 vacuum chamber-   166 vacuum inlet-   168 brush-   170 jet bracket-   172 fluid jet-   174 hose-   176 coupling device-   178 blower assembly-   180 blower motor housing-   182 electrical cord-   184 on/off switch-   186 handle-   188 blower nozzle-   190 machine extension wand-   191 A.C. power source-   192 flexible hose-   194 extension wand-   196 vacuum switch-   198 vacuum circuit breaker-   200 pump switch-   202 circuit breaker pump-   204 hour meter-   206 utility bag-   208 hook-on type trash/supply bin-   210 recovery tank clean out and sight port-   212 pull out filling port-   214 first channel of rotary valve-   216 second channel of rotary valve-   218 flat spot-   220 Squeegee tool-   222 Dry pick up tool

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details which are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or which render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofpreferred embodiments and while the illustrative versions have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theinventors to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading this detaileddescription. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is notlimited to these specific details, respective apparatus and methods, andillustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe inventors' general inventive concepts.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, there is shown amulti-functional cleaning machine 10. The machine 10 includes a fluidhousing 12 and a base 14. The fluid housing 12 and base 14 arepreferably made of plastic, though other suitable materials can beutilized. The fluid housing 12 may be attached to the base 14 in anynumber of known configurations. The machine 10 has a front 16, a back18, a top 20 and a bottom 22.

In one embodiment, the base 14 is preferably configured to accept fourwheels, two 12-inch, non-pneumatic (although pneumatic could also beused) wheels 24, preferably made by Gleason and offered under Part No.12479492, located at about the bottom back of the machine 10, and two6-inch caster wheels 26, preferably made by Colson casters under PartNo. 6.00617.441BRK1, located at about the bottom front of the machine10. The caster wheels 26 are preferably positioned inboard of the drippan 34, facilitating stability. Such movement can be accomplished byeither pulling, or more typically, pushing the machine 10 from the rearby applying pressure to a handle 28 formed in the fluid housing 12, inknown fashion. It is preferred that the caster wheels 26 have a built-inbrake system which can be set to keep the machine 10 from makingunwanted movement.

As can best be viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 14 is designed to housea vacuum motor 30 and related componentry, a fluid pump 32 and relatedcomponentry, and a drip pan 34. The vacuum motor 30 and fluid pump 32can be mounted directly to the base 14 or to a plate 36, which is thenmounted to the base 14. In one embodiment, the vacuum motor 30 ispreferably a Lamb Electric motor, Model No. 116392-00. The fluid pump 32preferably is capable of efficiently drawing to a fluid pump inlet,fluids from tanks, receptacles or the like, through appropriate hosesand associated hardware and plumbing, and then be capable ofpressurizing those fluids for subsequent communication to a spray gun orother dispensing device. In one embodiment, the fluid pump 32 ispreferably a Model 1LX100.AWI, produced by Emerson. In one embodiment,the drip pan 34 may preferably be formed integral with the base 14 andadapted to create a trough-like structure which is fluid-tight at itsbase and sides. The drip pan 34 is preferably located at about the frontbottom of the machine 10.

As may also be best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid housing 12contains: two tanks—a base fluid (clean) tank 38 and a recovery (dirty)tank 40; a lockable enclosure 42 for secure storage of at least tworeceptacles; a machine control panel 44; storage bins 46 (best seen inFIG. 1 a); and a pressure hose retainer 48 (best seen in FIGS. 1 a and 1b). Base fluid tank 38 may retain a base fluid, such as water, and hasan inlet adapted to allow the base fluid to enter the tank 38 and anoutlet 50 adapted to allow the base fluid to exit the tank 38.

In one embodiment, the base fluid tank 38 may also have adapted theretoa fluid level indicator 52, best seen in FIG. 5. In the preferredembodiment, the indicator 52 is comprised of a clear tube which is influid communication with the tank 38. Fluid level indicator 52 may beattached to the outside of the machine 10. The level of the fluid in thetank 38 is reflected in a known fashion by the level of fluid which willbe in the fluid level indicator 52 tube. Those with skill in this artwill recognize, however, that various other visual fluid levelindicators could be used with the machine 10, includingelectro-mechanical indicators. Similarly, audible or sensory indicatorscould be used to indicate the base fluid level to an operator and aredeemed within the scope of inventions disclosed herein. Further, thefluid level indicator 52 can be used, in a preferred embodiment, toallow fluid to drain from tank 38.

The recovery tank 40 is designed to retain a dirty fluid, typicallycleaning solution having dirt and debris entrained therein. The recoverytank 40 also has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluidcommunication with the vacuum motor 30 and associated assemblies, whichare designed to deposit dirty fluid into the recovery tank 40. Therecovery tank 40 also has a dirty fluid outlet at the recovery tank 40base and which preferably is in fluid communication with a flexible dumptube 54. The dump tube 54 may preferably be secured to the exterior ofthe machine 10 and is adapted to allow an operator to dump dirty fluideasily into a work basin, toilet, drain, etc. The dump tube 54 also canbe made of a clear material and, similar to the base fluid levelindicator 52, can be used to indicate the level of dirty fluid withinthe recovery tank 40.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, in one embodiment, the lockableenclosure 42 is essentially comprised of a lockable box. In oneembodiment, the box base and three of the box walls are preferablyformed using walls of the fluid housing 12. A retaining plate 56 and acover plate 58 are preferably used to create the fourth wall and boxcover, respectively. Retaining plate 56 may be secured in known fashionto at least two of the there-existing walls of the enclosure (see FIG.3). In one embodiment, retaining plate 56 also preferably includes ahook 60 (other hooks could also preferably be provided) to facilitatehose or storage of other devices, including “wet floor” signs, and aslot 62 capable of accepting a tab or similar device. In one embodiment,the cover plate 58 preferably is adapted to securely fit over the top ofthe box, forming the lockable enclosure 42. In one embodiment, the coverplate 58 includes a projection 64 terminating in an out-turned tab 66,having an opening (i.e., aperture) formed therein. The cover plate 58may also include apertures 68 to facilitate fluid communication betweena selector and metering valve 72 and chemical receptacles 70, which maybe placed within the lockable enclosure 42. In use, the projection tab66 of the cover plate 58 is adapted to pass at least partially throughthe retaining plate slot 62. As will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art, once that occurs, a lock or similar device can be secured to orthrough the projection tab 66 aperture, locking the cover plate to thelockable enclosure 42. Obviously, the lockable enclosure 42 could becreated in any number of ways which are deemed within the skill ofpersons working in this art area. Moreover, those skilled in the artwould understand that the lockable enclosure 42 could be created as aseparable or separate enclosure, not formed integral with the fluidhousing 12.

Fluid storage receptacles 70 are best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thereceptacles 70 are preferably adapted to contain concentrated cleaningand like chemicals. The receptacles 70 may be configured in virtuallyany shape and be made of virtually any material capable of safelycontaining fluids to be stored therein, including metal, glass orplastic. The receptacle 70 may also include handles for ease of movementand replacement, and a resealable cap to secure fluid stored therein.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 2 and 3, machine control panel 44 housesswitches, hose connection ports, and circuit breakers, etc., all neededto operate various aspects of the machine 10. The control panel 44 ispreferably located near the top of the fluid housing 12 and positionedin such a way as to face the machine 10 front. In this way, controlpanel 44 is easily reachable by a user when that operator is using themachine 10 to conduct cleaning operations. Storage bins 46 arepreferably adjacent the control panel 44 to further facilitate ease ofmachine 10 use and to provide a traditional work station workingenvironment, though in this case, portable. Finally, the pressure hoseretainer 48 may be secured to the outside of the fluid housing 12. Theretainer 48 is preferably adapted to easily retain a pressure hose, theuse of which is explained below.

In one embodiment, the multi-functional cleaning machine 10 is adaptedto create, on board, one of several different cleaning solutions. Suchcleaning solutions may be created by mixing a base fluid, such as water,with a predetermined amount of one or more cleaning chemicals. Such acleaning solution is generally created by a solution fluid system, apreferred embodiment of which will now be described.

As is set forth in FIG. 6, the fluid system includes at least twochemical receptacles 70, in secure fluid communication, via suitabletubing 74, with the chemical selector and metering valve 72. As isknown, one end of tubing 74 may be positioned through a cap or otherclosing structure applied to the chemical receptacles 70, the tubing 74being placed into the chemical receptacle 70 for supplying fluid storedtherein to an inlet of the chemical selector and metering valve 72,which shall now be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c, in one embodiment, the chemicalselector and metering valve 72 may preferably be a mechanical devicehaving at least two fluid inlets 76 and one fluid outlet 78, which maypreferably also include a one-way check valve. In one embodiment, thepreferred selector and metering valve 72 is Model No. ST-66,manufactured by Suttner.

In one embodiment, the selector and metering valve 72 includes a rotaryvalve 80, to which is attached a knob 82. The knob 82 is interconnectedto the rotary valve 80 by a screw and washer 84. Optionally, a cap 86may be used to protect the screw and washer 84 and knob 82. The selectorand metering valve 72 may preferably be secured to the control panel 44via a retaining nut 88, in known fashion.

As can be seen in FIG. 7 d, in one embodiment, the rotary valve 80 hastwo channels 214, 216 and a flat spot 218. When an internal fluidcommunication from the selector fluid outlet 78 rests against the flatspot 218, no fluid is allowed to flow through outlet 78. As an internalcommunication port is moved to the channel 214 or 216 by rotation of theknob 82, fluid from the receptacle 70 will begin to be allowed to flowto outlet 78. If the knob 82 continues to be rotated, the internalcommunication port is moved along the channel, 214 or 216, which isincreasing in size. The size of the channel 214 or 216 will dictate howmuch fluid is allowed to pass to outlet 78.

As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the operator mayrotate the knob 82 to allow fluid to flow through one or the other ofthe selector fluid inlets 76. The operator could regulate the amount offluid allowed to flow therethrough by regulating the total amount ofknob 82 rotation, in known fashion. It should be understood by thosewith skill in the art that additional inlets and outlets can be added tothe selector and metering valve 72. Additionally, skilled artisans willreadily understand that selection and metering of a chemical can easilybe accomplished by separate mechanical, as well as electromechanicaldevices. The selection and use of such alternative selectors and/ormetering valves are deemed well within the ordinary skill in the art andare to be considered encompassed by this disclosure. It should also beunderstood that a selector and metering valve 72 can be configured toallow more than one chemical to flow through the valve 72.

With reference again to FIG. 6, in operation and depending upon operatorpositioning of knob 82 for control of the selector and metering valve72, a fluid, such as a concentrated cleaning chemical, can flow throughthe selector and metering valve 72 to the selector fluid outlet 78.Coupled thereto in secure fluid communication is suitable tubing 90. Inline with tubing 90 may be a chemical check valve 91 or a filter (notshown). It should be understood that a check valve or filter could, ifdesired, also be disposed in line with the receptacle to selector tubing74. The second end of tubing 90 is preferably in secure fluidcommunication with a mixing tee 92.

In one embodiment, the mixing tee 92 preferably has two inlets 94 andone outlet 96. One inlet 94 is in secure fluid communication with tubing90. The second mixing tee inlet 94 is in secure fluid communication witha base fluid tube 98. The other end of the base fluid tube 98 is insecure fluid communication with the base fluid tank outlet 50. Asolution check valve 100 and/or filter 102 may preferably be placed inline with base fluid tubing 98. A solution check valve 100 may also beincluded as part of the mixing tee 92.

Fluids which flow from tubes 90, 98 to inlets 94 may be at leastpartially mixed within the mixing tee 92, exiting outlet 96 as acleaning solution. Those skilled in the art will understand that themixing tee 92 may take many shapes, sizes and configurations. Forinstance, the mixing tee 92 could have multiple inputs and multipleoutlets. The mixing tee 92 could also include a mixing chamber intowhich fluids are dumped and perhaps agitated, prior to exiting theoutlet 96. Also, the mixing of fluids could be achieved by use of aforceful mixing structure, such as an injection structure, instead ofthe preferred passive structure disclosed herein.

Mixed fluid, referred to generally as a cleaning solution, is preferablythen passed by tube 104 to fluid pump 32, tube 104 being in secure fluidcommunication at one end with the mixing tee outlet 96, and at the otherend to a fluid inlet 106 of fluid pump 32. Pump 32 can preferablypressurize cleaning solution supplied to inlet 106 and pass thatpressurized cleaning solution to pump outlet 108. Pump 32 willpressurize cleaning fluid at a preferred constant pressure of 50 to 460pounds per square inch. The pump 32 will also create a suction in tube104, generally facilitating pulling of base fluid from tank 38 and, ifselected, one or more chemical receptacles 70. The pump 32 may alsopreferably be equipped with a bypass line 110 and bypass valve 112,which are useful in regulating the fluid line pressures. If so equipped,cleaning solution can either be pressurized by the pump 32 or fed in anunpressurized fashion to any number of cleaning tools by providing thecleaning solution through bypass line 110 and valve 112 to such tools.In secure fluid communication with pump outlet 108 is a high pressurehose 114 of suitable construction. Preferably, high pressure hose 114 isplumbed to the control panel 44, where it connects in a secure fluidcommunication with a high pressure hose quick connect coupling device116. As is known in the art, a second high pressure hose 118, shown inFIG. 9 a, may preferably connect, at one end, to coupling 116 (not shownin FIG. 9 a), and in like fashion, may be coupled via a female quickconnect 122 to a spray gun 120 male quick connect coupling device 124.Obviously, the male and female connectors could be reversed. Operationof a high pressure spray gun 120 will not generally be discussed herein,as it is deemed well known in the art. However, it needs to beunderstood that depression of the spray gun 120 trigger 121 generallyallows pressurized fluid to exit the spray gun 120, often through avalve 130, lance wand 126 and spray jet 128. A preferred spray gun 120is manufactured by Suttner, under Part No. ST810.

Typically, an operator of the spray gun 120 cannot accurately controlthe pressure and flow with which cleaning solution is allowed to exitthe spray gun 120. Instead, the spray gun 120 usually operates in abinary, i.e., high/low or on-off, fashion. As such, only fluid atselected line pressures is allowed to exit the spray gun 120. Suchoperation is often problematic for a cleaning operator, as it may benecessary to use a pressure and fluid flow different from a presentpressure and flow for a given cleaning operation. Accordingly, it ispreferable to include the variable pressure reduction valve 130somewhere in line with the pressurized cleaning solution. In oneembodiment, a preferable valve 130 is a needle valve adapted for use toprovide maximum adjustment in preferably one turn. Such a valve ismanufactured by Generant of New Jersey under Part No. FFP-882 and ispreferably adapted to selectively reduce the pressure and flow capacity,simultaneously, of pressurized cleaning solution which is allowed toexit the spray gun 120. In one embodiment, it is preferable to have thevariable pressure reduction valve 130 located near or on the spray gun120, itself, for ease of use of the valve 130 by an operator when thatoperator is engaged in cleaning a surface. The reduction valve 130 maybe capable of reducing line pressure to zero, at one extreme of theoperating spectrum, and provide no reduction in line pressure at theother extreme of the operating spectrum, and be infinitely adjustablebetween those spectrum ends. Preferably, however, the valve 130 shouldnot completely shut-off line pressure and flow. Instead, that should beaccomplished by release of the spray gun 120 trigger 121.

It is also preferable to use a curved lance wand 126 with the spray gun120. Such a wand 126, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 b and 9 c, facilitatecleaning of toilets (see FIG. 9 b) and horizontal cleaning surfaces (seeFIG. 9 c). Indeed, curvature 132 of lance wand 126, with the curvature132 being achieved at or near the terminal end of the wand 126, providesergonomic enhancements to a user of the device not available with astraight lance wand. Specifically, the wand 126 angle works incombination with the angle of a handle of the gun 120 to position auser's wrist in a neutral grip position (see FIG. 9 c). Also the wand126 angle promotes safety. Due to the wand 126 angle, the operator canmaintain maximum distance from cleaning chemicals exiting the gun 120,not having to bend into hard to reach surfaces needing cleaning.Finally, it is preferable to have an adjustable spray jet 128 (variableto adjust a spray pattern) attached to a wand 126 end to facilitatefluid spray patterns and the like. A fixed spray jet 128 could also beused.

In operation, the fluid system may create and dispense, under pressure,a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. The pressurized cleaningsolution alone, or with help of a brush or other cleaning device, may beused to clean the surface. Once cleaned, however, the dirty solutionmust preferably be removed from the surface. This can be accomplished byvacuuming the fluid into a storage tank or drying the fluid from thesurface in some other fashion, or a combination thereof. A vacuumingfunction may be performed, in known fashion, through use of a wet vacuumand related assemblies.

In the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, vacuum motor 30 has aninlet 134 which is in fluid communication with a vacuum tube 136. Theother end of the vacuum tube 136 is in secure fluid communication withvacuum tube connection 138, located on the control panel 44. (See FIG.17.) Turning now to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, typically a vacuum hose 140 isadapted for sealable connection to the vacuum tube connection 138.Preferably, the vacuum hose is self-retracting and need not be wound forstorage. Instead, the vacuum hose 140 may compress to a convenient sizefor easy storage on the machine 10. When in use, however, the vacuumhose 140 can expand to facilitate cleaning operations at distances of,in one embodiment, at least 25 feet from the machine 10. In oneembodiment, such a vacuum hose 140 is manufactured by United Electricand offered under Part No. 15ST5BK.1.

Attached to the terminal end 141 of vacuum hose 140 is preferably avacuum wand 142, to which cleaning tools 144 may be attached, as shownin FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 11. With reference to FIG. 11, in a preferredembodiment, the vacuum wand 142 is of a modular design, facilitatingeasy use of both dry and wet tools with the wand 142. The preferredvacuum wand 142 has an end 146 adapted to accept a vacuum tool, such asa squeegee, tool 220 (see FIG. 12), a dry pick up tool 222 (see FIG.13), a grout tool 156 (see FIG. 14 a), or a carpet spray and extractor158 (see FIG. 15). The vacuum wand 142 is also adapted to carry a thirdhigh pressure hose 148, having a first quick connect 150 and a secondquick connect 152 coupling device.

In one embodiment, the first quick connect coupling device 150 isadapted to easily attach to the second high pressure hose 118. A valveand trigger assembly 154 is preferably located adjacent the first quickconnect 150 and is adapted to control the flow of fluid from the secondhigh pressure hose 118, which is to be passed to the third high pressurehose 148. The second quick connect coupling device 152 is adapted tofacilitate quick and easy attachment of fluid hoses which may beassociated with individual cleaning tools, such as the grout tool 156 orcarpet spray and extractor 158. For instance, on the grout tool 156, twofluid lines are attached, in known fashion, to a single quick connectcoupling device 176 at one end, and to two spray jets at their otherends (see FIG. 14 a). The quick connect coupling device 176 of the grouttool 156, may easily be connected to the second quick connect couplingdevice 152 of third high pressure hose 148, in known fashion.

Now with reference to FIGS. 14 b and 14 c, one embodiment of thepreferred grout tool 156 is disclosed. The grout tool 156 consists of anelongated vacuum body 160, with two squeegees 162 formed therein andadapted for contact with a surface. A vacuum may be applied to a vacuumchamber 164 through vacuum inlet 166, in known fashion. Attached to thetool body and adapted to contact a surface is also a brush 168, whichmay be used to scrub a surface being cleaned. Attached in adjustablefashion to a top surface of the tool 156 are two jet brackets 170.Attached to each bracket 170 is a fluid jet 172, each of which isconnected to a hose 174, with both hoses terminating and being in securefluid communication with a single quick disconnect coupling device 176.It has been found that placing the jets 172 on the body of the tool 156,as opposed to on the cleaning wand itself, facilitates cleaningoperations, as the jets are moved closer to the surface to be cleanedthan has previously been allowed. Also, jet 172 pressures, capacities,capabilities and spray patterns may be matched to the unique tool 156applications. Further, angling of the jets 172 relative to the tool body160, as can be seen in FIG. 14 c, allows pressurized fluid to hit asurface at an angle, further facilitating cleaning. Moreover, due to theangling of the jets 172, fluid may bounce off the surface being cleanedat an angle and into the brush, thereby lubricating the brush withcleaning solution, further facilitating cleaning of the surface, andreducing spray back atomization which is a potential health risk to theoperator.

Once a surface has been cleaned and excess dirty cleaning solutionremoved from the surface via a vacuum or removal process, it is oftendesirable to blow dry the surface. A blower can also be useful in othercleaning activities, such as blowing dust from upholstery and likeobjects, or blowing leaves and like debris from a particular surface.The present invention utilizes such a blower, which is uniquely modularin design and functionality.

Now with reference to FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d, one embodiment of thepreferred modular blower assembly 178 of the present invention isdisclosed. The blower assembly 178 includes a blower motor (not shown)housed within a housing 180. In one embodiment, the motor (not shown) ispreferably a motor produced by Lamb Electric, a division of Amatek, andoffered under Part No. 116309-00. Energy may be supplied to the blowermotor assembly 178 through an electrical cord 182. In one embodiment,the blower assembly 178 also includes an on/off switch 184 (see FIG. 8a). The blower assembly 178 may further include a handle 186 and mayhave a blower nozzle 188, through which air may be blown.

In one embodiment, the blower assembly 178 may be supplied electricalenergy from the same electrical cord 190 that is generally used tosupply A.C. power 191 to the machine 10. Alternatively, if the machine10 runs on battery power, that same battery power could be supplied tothe blower assembly 178 in a known fashion. In one embodiment, theblower assembly 178 can also include a flexible hose 192 or extensionwand 194 disposed between the blower motor and the nozzle 188 to extendthe reach and functionality of the blower assembly 178 (see FIG. 8 c).The blower assembly 178 may preferably be stored on the machine 10, asshown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d.

Now with reference to FIG. 16, one embodiment of the machine 10 is setforth, showing placement of the second high pressure hose 118 wrappedaround pressure hose retainer 48 and with second high pressure hose 118being plugged into hose connection 116. FIG. 16 also shows placement ofone embodiment of the control panel 44 and storage bins 46 in a workstation configuration. FIG. 16 also shows vacuum hose 140, in acompressed fashion, connected at one end to vacuum tube connector 138 ofcontrol panel 44 and at the other end to extension wand 142. Forstorage, in one embodiment, eyebolts 143 and a cord, such as a bungeecord 145, can be used to secure the hose 140 to the machine 10.Additional means of securing the hose 140 to the machine 10 are alsoenvisioned and within the scope of the present invention. It should benoted that a vacuum tool is shown attached to the terminal end of theextension wand 190, which is positioned over the drip pan 34.

Now with reference to FIG. 16, a control panel 44, storage bins 46 andthe partial view of the top of the machine are generally disclosed. Ascan be seen from FIG. 16, the control panel 44 includes vacuum tubeconnection 138, vacuum switch 196, vacuum circuit breaker 198, pumpswitch 200, pump circuit breaker 202, chemical selector and meteringvalve knob 82, and high pressure hose quick connect 116. Preferablyincluded within at least one of the storage bins 46 is a port 212 forfacilitating filling of the base fluid tank 38. The port 212 preferablymay extend out of the storage bin 46 for ease of use. On the top of thecontrol panel 44 also may be found an hour meter 204, which will countthe total amount of time that one or more motors or pumps on the machine10 have operated. A recovery tank clean out and sight port 210 may alsobe included adjacent and above the control panel 44.

With reference to FIG. 18, a utility bag 206 is shown attached to therear of the machine 10. The utility bag 206 can be made of virtually anymaterial and configured in virtually any manner. The bag 206 may also beattached to the machine 10 in numerous known manners. In a preferredembodiment, the bag 206 is adapted to be attached to the pushing handle28 and the base 14 using a known type of quick connect/disconnectattachment means. FIG. 18 also shows a hook-on type trash and supply bin208 that can be attached to the front of the machine 10. Again, thetrash and supply bin 208 can be attached to the machine 10 in any numberof known manners.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments and certain variations andmodifications, other variations and modifications are within the scopeof the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge ofthose in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

1. A blower assembly device for use with a portable surface cleaningdevice comprising: a housing including a handle; a nozzle operablyinterconnected to the housing, the nozzle being adapted to dispersepressurized air; a blower motor positioned within the housing, theblower motor being operatively connected to a source of electricalenergy; and wherein the blower assembly is adapted for use by anoperator of the surface cleaning device to direct pressurized air onto apredetermined location.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the source ofelectrical energy is an electrical cord supplying current to thecleaning device.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the source ofelectrical energy is an electrical cord operably connected to thebattery of the cleaning device.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a switch adapted to engage and disengage the blower motor. 5.The device of claim 1, further comprising an extension device, saidextension device connecting the blower nozzle and the housing.
 6. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein the extension device is a flexible hose. 7.The device of claim 5, wherein the extension device is an extensionwand.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the source of electrical energyis a cord directly connected to an outlet, thereby allowing the blowerassembly to be operated completely separate from the cleaning device. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein battery power is the source of electricalenergy.
 10. A blower assembly device for use with a portable surfacecleaning device comprising: a housing including a handle; a blower motorpositioned within the housing, the blower motor being operativelyconnected to a source of electrical energy; and wherein the operator ofthe surface cleaning device may use the blower assembly to directpressurized air to a predetermined location.
 11. The device of claim 10,further comprising a nozzle operably attached to the housing, whereinthe nozzle is adapted to disperse pressurized air.
 12. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the source of electrical energy is an electrical cordsupplying current to the cleaning device.
 13. The device of claim 10,wherein the source of electrical energy is an electrical cord operablyconnected to the battery of the cleaning device.
 14. The device of claim10, further comprising a switch adapted to engage and disengage theblower motor.
 15. The device of claim 10, further comprising anextension device, said extension device connecting the blower nozzle andthe housing.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the extension device isa flexible hose.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the extensiondevice is an extension wand.
 18. The device of claim 10, wherein thesource of electrical energy is a cord directly connected to an outlet,thereby allowing the blower assembly to be operated completely separatefrom the cleaning device.
 19. The device of claim 10, wherein batterypower is the source of electrical energy.
 20. A blower assembly devicefor use with a portable surface cleaning device comprising: means forproducing pressurized air; means for supplying electrical energy to themeans for producing pressurized air; a housing that includes a means forholding the housing; means for dispersing the pressurized air operablyattached to the housing; and wherein the blower assembly may be used byan operator of the surface cleaning device to direct the pressurized aironto a predetermined location.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein theelectrical energy is supplied to the blower assembly device by currentthrough an electrical cord.
 22. The device of claim 20, wherein theelectrical energy is supplied to the blower assembly device by abattery, wherein the battery is operably connected to an electrical cordsupplying current.
 23. The device of claim 20, further comprising ameans for engaging and disengaging the means for producing pressurizedair.
 24. The device of claim 20, further comprising an extension means,said extension means connecting the means for dispersing pressurized airand the housing means.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the extensionmeans is a flexible hose.
 26. The device of claim 24, wherein theextension means is an extension wand.
 27. The device of claim 20,wherein the electrical energy is supplied directly to the blowerassembly from an electrical outlet by a cord, thereby allowing theblower assembly to be operated completely separate from the cleaningdevice.
 28. The device of claim 20, wherein the electrical energy issupplied to the means for producing pressurized air by battery power.